Cardiovascular Tech (CVT)

Major Responsibilities:

• The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist provides competent, proficient, technical support during diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization procedures, implementing procedural standards and protocols.
  •     1)Function as scrub assistant, circulator and monitor technician on a rotating basis during procedures. Assists physician during interventional procedures with complex interventional devices, including intra-aortic balloon pump.
  •     2)Collects, analyzes, and interprets hemodynamic and oximetric data.
  •     3)Anticipates needs of scrub team for sterile supplies, equipment connection, and operation.
  •     4)Observes sterile technique when prepping, scrubbing, draping, assisting, and circulating.
  •     5)Processes digital imaging; titles and labels properly, demonstrates ability to view and transfer images.
  •     6)Demonstrates competence in the operation of imaging, physiological monitoring, and related equipment; performs basic troubleshooting for this equipment.
  •     7)Communicates and collaborates with physicians, managers, support personnel, and staff regarding technical issues to insure reliability of results and quality assurance in imaging, hemodynamics and oximetry.
  •     8)Demonstrates competence in decentralized lab testing – assumes responsibility for QA proficiency testing, etc.
  •     9)Administers medication in accordance with medication administration policy.
• The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist provides patient care specific to procedural requirements and patient needs (under the supervision of physicians and Cath Lab nursing personnel) within established departmental policies for scope of practice.
  •     2)Provides for patient comfort and safety within procedural parameters.
  •     3)Documents procedural events chronologically in the procedural record. Completes data base forms with input from physician.
  •     4)Performs post-procedure ACT determination, sheath removal and hemostasis according to established protocol.
  •     5)Assists with implementation of hemostatic devices (i.e., angioseal and femostop device).
  •     6)Assists with transport of monitored patients to nursing units.
  •     7)Provides for the special needs and behaviors of specific age groups served.
  •     8)Participates in developing and revising policy and procedures.
  •     1)Performs basic patient assessment and preparation for procedures: monitors vital signs, heart rate/rhythm interpretation, O2 saturation, LOC; obtains pertinent patient medical information and enters in point of care system or procedural record pre- and post-procedure; monitors arterial and venous lines and their insertion sites; performs CPR, defibrillation, and cardioversion as necessary; performs venipuncture for IV therapy. Rotates as qualified observer, administers IA medications under direct supervision of physicians.
• The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist provides support and education to patients, families, and other healthcare team members.
  •     1)Assesses learning needs of patients, family members, and significant others.
  •     2)Documents patient teaching in medical record.
  •     3)Recognizes needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated.
  •     4)Presents inservices to Cath Lab staff on topics relating to technical skill enhancement, QA and hemostasis technique.
  •     5)Precepts nurses and technologists in manual hemostasis and the use of mechanical hemostatic devices.
  •     6)Precepts new technologists in scrubbing, circulating, and monitoring roles.
  •     7)Acts as a resource to hemostasis techniques.
• The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist maintains a safe, organized and efficient work environment.
  •     1)Complies with established radiation safety standard, OSHA safety standards, and infection control standards/practices.
  •     2)Maintains quality control of technical equipment according to protocol.
  •     3)Identified equipment and supply needs for procedures in a timely manner.
  •     4)Maintains clean, neat work areas.
  •     5)Removes broken or malfunctioning equipment from service and labels as such, notifies Biomedical Engineering.
  •     6)Assists with inventory processing when necessary.
• The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist demonstrates a commitment to the organization by supporting and adapting to changes consistent with operating goals.
  •     1)Acts independently in making decisions on routine daily assignments.
  •     2)Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility for change.
  •     3)Demonstrates reliability for attendance and punctuality.
  •     4)Demonstrates cost-effective measures with an awareness of quality.
  •     5)Maintains department-based mandatory education requirements.
  •     6)Actively participates in staff meetings/attends monthly inservices.
  •     7)Assists with development and revision of policies and procedures pertaining to technical matters.
  •     8)Participates in CQI development projects (team performance plan).
• The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist demonstrates the ability to interact and cooperate with all customers.
  •     1)Seeks to meet anticipated customer needs in both clinical and non-clinical situations.
  •     2)Role-models behaviors supportive of cooperation and teamwork.
  •     3)Supports open communication amongst all members of the healthcare team.
• The Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist maintains professional growth, self-development objectives, and skill enhancement.
  •     1)Assesses own educational needs, planning and implementing strategies to meet knowledge deficiencies.

Education/Experience Required:

• Minimum of 3 years in Interventional Cardiac Cath Lab as a CVT. Able to provide for the special needs and behaviors of specific age groups served.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Intermediate computer skills, hemodynamic interpretation skills, basic patient assessment skills, IV therapy skills.
• BCLS certification.

Physicial Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to work staggered 8 or 10 hour shifts. Ability to take call. Ability to work under stressful conditions and difficult situations. Exposed to blood and body fluids. Exposed to radiation. Ability to assist patients in transfer. Ability to perform lifting, pulling and pushing activities related to patient positioning/transfer and stocking of supplies.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.